Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region Society (HFHRD) is a non-profit, charitable organization located in Red Deer, Alberta. The organization is dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty through empowering low-income working families to own their own home.

To date, HFHRD has built 29 houses, providing stable and decent homes for families in need. HFHRD believes in building homes throughout Central Alberta, not just in Red Deer. The organization currently has homes in Three Hills, Delburne, Lacombe and Red Deer and continues to work towards building Habitat homes in several other communities. HFHRD wants to leave a bigger footprint in Central Alberta than ever before. As of 2015, the organization increased their builds from one to ten homes per year. The greater need for homes comes with a greater need for sponsorship, volunteers and donations. If you would like to support Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region, please see our "Get Involved" page for more information!

Board of Directors

Past President
Guy Barnabe

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Since Guy started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region Society in 2002, he has been a constant pillar of support for the affiliate. As the longest standing Board Member, his dedication to the organization is widely admired and appreciated. When Guy is not mingling with friends and family, travelling, woodworkingor fulfilling his duties as Santa over the holidays, he’s often found on our construction sites helping to build Habitat homes and mentor volunteers. “My favorite thing about working with HFHRD is the ever-changing, learning experience.” – Guy Barnabe

Chairperson
James Wright

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James is a business owner and computer engineer by trade and an avid sports and creation enthusiast by choice. He joined the Habitat family because of his strong belief that affordable housing should be widely accessible for all. James brings an enthusiastic and eager attitude and a strong business-growth background to the team. “Other people inspire me, the drive and passion of people who push boundaries” – James Wright

Vice Chair
Connie Slepicka

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Treasurer
Dustin Olson

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With his CPA designation and experience as an Operations Manager, Dustin brings a logical and personable mind to our board. He recently joined the Board of Directors in 2016 and has already made his mark on the team! “[I decided to join the Board of Directors because] I have been actively looking for a way to volunteer that will help contribute to the community of Red Deer and allow for the chance to help others in need.” – Dustin Olson

Secretary
Audrey Michayluk

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As a retired federal government employee, Audrey brings a skill set unlike any other. With 40 years of volunteer experience and vast knowledge of working with social agencies and individuals down on their luck, Audrey is a perfect fit for the organization. She’s passionate about her family and has an active lifestyle year round. From crocheting and quilting to snowmobiling and travelling there isn’t anything Audrey won’t try.“I do not know the word relax, it is not in my nature as I like to be busy!” – Audrey

Director
Kevin Evans

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As a CPA, CMA with over 25 years business experience, Kevin recently joined the Board as an opportunity to give back. His choice of Habitat stems from his love of renovating houses. Along with his wife they have lived through many renovations, enjoyed the creative process, and the ability to reuse materials or pass them along to Habitat.

Director
Brett Bothwell

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After taking time off after high school to play Junior A Hockey in Saskatchewan, Brett obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Cardiff University in 2014. Being a true Red Deerian, Brett appreciates the sense of community in Red Deer, and Habitat's continued support of the community is what drew my attention to Habitat for Humanity. “As I have now returned home and plan on being a part of the community for a number of years to come, I think being involved with Habitat would strengthen my connection with the community, as well as provide me a greater sense of involvement and accomplishment” – Brett Bothwell

Staff

CEO
Karen Vavrek

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Karen joined the Habitat Red Deer team as CEO in early July 2017. She brings over 20 years’ experience working in the charitable non-profit sector, with several years in senior management roles. With a background in Business Administration, Karen is a passionate advocate for the non-profit sector. She enjoys the collaborative nature of working with staff, boards, volunteers, and donors to help build community capacity. Karen has been a resident of Central Alberta for the past nine years, living in Sylvan Lake with her husband John and 2 sons. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys mountain biking, hiking and boating to relax and rejuvenate. “I am always amazed at what can be accomplished through the work of dedicated volunteers and donors. Habitat’s vision comes to life through their efforts!” – Karen Vavrek, CEO

Executive Assistant
Janelle Duffin

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Joining us in April 2016, Janelle has been a welcome addition to the organization. Her flexibility and friendly demeanor make her perfect for the role of supporting each department. With a background in Correctional Studies, Janelle's unique thought process and intuitive mind-set make her a great addition to the affiliate and a natural when dealing with people from all walks of life. “I am inspired by my parents’ hearts to serve others—they have been a blessing to many people. I am also inspired by people who push themselves out of their comfort zone to create positive change.” – Janelle Duffin, Executive Assistant

ReStore Manager
Les Rudnisky

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Les first came on board with Habitat Red Deer in the spring of 2015 in the role of Assistant ReStore Manager. Since stepping up into the ReStore Manager position in September 2016 he has been able to put in his 25+ years of managerial experience into a cause he supports and believes in. "My lifestyle highly involves service to bring others a hand up, so the mission of Habitat for Humanity has been a personal blessing to me to be involved with" – Les Rudnisky, ReStore Manager.

Volunteer and Communications Coordinator
Shannon Humphrey

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Shannon joined the team in August 2017. She is a graduate of Red Deer College in the Bachelor of Business Administration Mount Royal Collaborative program. With experience in marking and communications Shannon has demonstrated leadership and engages the community through public speaking, coaching and mentoring, and volunteer work. Shannon has a passion for advocacy within the community and believes that story sharing is the key to inspiring the actions that create positive impact. Shannon likes to keep busy so her “free time” is filled with family adventures and team sports. “I want to stop talking about wanting to make a difference and actually do it!” – Shannon Humphrey, Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

ReStore Assistant Manager
Cory Brassard

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Cory joined the team in fall of 2015. This jack of all trades is motivated by helping others. Cory is a family man. When he isn’t at work he’s spending quality time with his family, quadding, or camping, and sometimes a combination of the three. Cory says he is inspired by his wife and her ability to traverse adversity while always keeping a smile on her face. Cory came to us from the oil patch so he is big on safety. In his previous position he created and implemented a safety program with a points rewards system. “Safety is number one, you have to come out with all of your limbs.” – Cory Brassard, ReStore Assistant Manager

Construction Manager
Kurt Von Hollen

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Joining us in October 2017, Kurt brings a skill set built over 20 years of construction experience in various fields, everything from pouring a foundation to turning over a new home. In his spare time, he can be found coaching and playing sports with his family and friends. Passing on knowledge to his daughter is a new adventure he looks forward to. Kurt is a product of the Red Deer Kings Soccer and Basketball clubs and has been involved in the community for many years. Volunteering with Special Olympics, coaching soccer and basketball at various ages and skill levels, and working on Future TREKK at a National level are just a few of his achievements. Kurt believes commitment to hard work truly builds a team and is motivated to apply that hard work to make our team stronger. Kurt has a passion for helping people. He is excited to apply his professional attitude and knowledge to ensure the many volunteers and families that make the Habitat builds possible feel welcome and appreciated. “In order for us to join our arms together for the greater good, we will need to lend a hand for each other. So, come on out and volunteer your services for a build with the Habitat for Humanity” - Kurt Von Hollen, Construction Manager